In just two years, the five stars of One Direction have been transformed from teenage X Factorhopefuls into members of the biggest boy band in the world.

Now’s Dan Wootton has been there along the way for the ride with them, from the day their teenage fans first climbed on to the roof of ITV’s canteen to catch a glimpse of the lads to their first headline concert in London.

That’s why they’ve granted him the exclusive interviews every magazine in the world has been chasing.

But first up is Zayn Malik, who Dan thinks is the most misunderstood member of 1D.

Far from his reputation as a hellraiser who lacks commitment to the band, he’s always found the 19-year-old from Bradford to be thoughtful and sensitive, though he does have a reputation as One Direction’s bad boy.

‘But it’s cool. I’ll take it,’ Zayn tells Dan.

‘I think my reserved personality is sometimes taken the wrong way and that’s why people just perceive me as a bad boy whereas I’m actually just a little bit shy and awkward.’

At one point Zayn quit Twitter – was that sparked by the false rumours that circulated about him and girlfriend Perrie Edwards?

‘No, that’s not what it was about,’ says Zayn.

‘I won’t let someone’s opinion of me affect me.

‘But when I see other people around me, like my mum and my girlfriend, getting upset then it annoys me.

‘That’s why I deleted my Twitter account.’

Read Dan Wootton’s full interview with Zayn Malik in Now magazine dated 22 October 2012 – out now.

And collect Voucher 1 to win Niall Horan‘s signed pants. You need all 5 vouchers to enter our exclusive competition!

SEE PICTURES Zayn Malik and One Direction sign copies of album Up All Night in New York

SEE PICTURES Zayn Malik with One Direction and red carpet guests at the Brits 2012

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